Methods and apparatus to manage data uploading in a process control environment

ABSTRACT

Example methods and apparatus to manage data uploading in a process control environment are disclosed. A disclosed example method includes receiving a request to upload a parameter value associated with a process control system and retrieving an upload rule profile associated with the process control system. The example method also includes identifying an upload action from the upload rule profile based on the parameter value and a personnel classification, and determining whether to upload the parameter value based on the upload action.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates generally to process control systems and,more particularly, to methods and apparatus to manage data uploading ina process control environment.

BACKGROUND

Process control systems, like those used in chemical, petroleum or otherprocesses, typically include one or more centralized process controllerscommunicatively coupled to at least one host or operator workstation andto one or more field devices via analog, digital or combinedanalog/digital buses. The field devices, which may be, for example,valves, valve positioners, vessels, tanks, switches and transmitters(e.g., temperature, pressure and flow rate sensors), perform functionswithin the process such as opening or closing valves, raising/loweringtemperatures and/or pressures, and measuring process parameters. Theprocess controller receives signals indicative of process measurementsmade by the field devices and/or other information pertaining to thefield devices, uses this information to implement a control routine, andthen generates control signals that are sent over the buses or othercommunication lines to the field devices to control the operation of theprocess. Information from the field devices and the controllers may bemade available to one or more applications executed by the operatorworkstation to enable an operator to perform desired functions withrespect to the process, such as viewing the current state of theprocess, modifying the operation of the process, etc.

Process control system applications typically include process controlroutines that can be configured to perform various functions oroperations in a process control system. For example, process controlroutines may be used to control valves, motors, boilers, heaters, and/orother devices that allow a product (e.g., petroleum, cosmetics, food,etc.) to be produced. The manufactured product may be dependent uponproper process control routine functionality, and/or may requiretuning/alteration in an effort to bring product specifications withinacceptable tolerances (e.g., chemical composition percentages, productviscosity, etc.).

Process control routines may also be used to monitor field devices,modules, plant areas, etc. and collect information associated with aprocess control system. Field devices used to implement the processcontrol routines are typically coupled to one another and to a processcontroller via a data bus. In an effort to verify that the processcontrol routines operate in a manner that maintains acceptable producttolerances, product batch parameters may be measured and saved duringmanufacture of the product. Control operators, plant managers,configuration personnel, maintenance personnel, engineers and/or otherindividuals responsible to maintain acceptable product quality mayaccess one or more databases that store parameters associated with aproduct batch and/or any other manufacturing, measurement and/orresearch process. Accordingly, a relatively large number of personnelmay have access to parameters used by the process control system, suchas parameters related to temperature set points, alarm limits, time setpoints, proportional-integral-derivative (PID) set points, etc.

Process control systems typically include a runtime database to storeparameter values. Upon a parameter value change by a user of the processcontrol system, such as an alarm limit change, the runtime databasestores the new parameter value. On a periodic, manual and/or scheduledbasis, a configuration database is updated to reflect parameter valuesfor the process control system and/or other process control systems thatmay also be connected to a larger networked manufacturing plant(s).Prior to the configuration database update, personnel having relativelyhigh authority over the process control system typically verify that thedata to be uploaded during the update is correct, authorized and/orwithin proper safety settings.

SUMMARY

Example apparatus and methods to manage data uploading in a processcontrol system are described. An example method includes receiving arequest to upload a parameter value associated with a process controlsystem and retrieving an upload rule profile associated with the processcontrol system. The example method also includes identifying an uploadaction from the upload rule profile based on the parameter value and apersonnel classification, and determining whether to upload theparameter value based on the upload action.

In accordance with another example, an example apparatus includes anupload manager to receive a request to upload a parameter valueassociated with a process control system and a database change monitorto identify a change in the parameter value. The disclosed exampleapparatus also includes a profile manager to retrieve an upload ruleprofile associated with the process control system and to select anupload action from the upload rule profile based on the parameter valueand a personnel classification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an example process control environment tobe used when managing data uploading.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an example upload manager shown in FIG. 1.

FIGS. 3 and 4 depict example user interface (UI) representations ofprofile configurations.

FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C depict example UI representations of upload actionreview activities.

FIGS. 6A, 6B and 7 are flow diagrams of example methods that may be usedto implement the example upload manager and UIs of FIGS. 1-4, 5A, 5B and6.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of an example processor platform that mayexecute the example processes of FIGS. 6A, 6B and 7 and/or the exampleupload manager of FIGS. 1 and 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Although the following describes example apparatus and systemsincluding, among other components, software and/or firmware executed onhardware, it should be noted that such systems are merely illustrativeand should not be considered as limiting. For example, it iscontemplated that any or all of these hardware, software, and firmwarecomponents could be embodied exclusively in hardware, exclusively insoftware, or in any combination of hardware and software. Accordingly,while the following describes example apparatus and systems, theexamples provided are not the only way to implement such methods andapparatus.

Process control systems may be implemented on any scale, such as arelatively small process control system having a few input/output (I/O)nodes, or a relatively large number of process control systems operatedin geographically disparate locations having I/O nodes, pumpcontrols/sensors, valve controls/sensors, alarms, etc. Each processcontrol system typically has a controller, such as a DeltaV™ controllersold by Fisher-Rosemount Systems, Inc., an Emerson Process Management™company. The controller may retrieve instructions to execute one or moreprocesses from a runtime database, such as one or more modulescontaining process function blocks. In the event that one or moreprocess control systems, controllers and/or modules become damaged orcorrupted, the configuration database may be used to restore a newand/or repaired process control system with proper parameter valuesand/or other data to control and/or execute one or more process controlfunctions (e.g., equipment setpoints, PID settings, alarm limits, etc.).

The configuration database, which is usually a global data store that iscommon and/or accessible to any number of process control systems withina process control environment, may allow parameter and/or parametervalue restoration for one or more process control systems that have beendamaged, corrupted, deleted, duplicated, etc. However, if theconfiguration database is populated with incorrect parameter values,propagating such incorrect parameter values to the process controlsystem may cause manufacturing problems, such as product defects, rawmaterial waste and/or increased safety risks. For example, a maintenanceemployee may have access to a workstation that is communicativelyconnected to a local process control system within a plant. While themaintenance employee may have authorization to access the workstation sothat one or more processes can be deactivated to allow, for example,part replacement activities, the maintenance employee may notnecessarily understand which parameter values are appropriate for thereplacement part(s). As a result, improper parameter values set by themaintenance employee may cause one or more manufacturing problems whenthe process control system executes. More significantly, improperparameter values set by the maintenance employee may cause one or moresafety risks (e.g., a temperature alarm setpoint set too high).

The configuration database (e.g., global data store) may be updated on aperiodic, aperiodic, scheduled and/or manual basis to back-up parametervalues in a local data store, such as a runtime database. Frequentlyupdating the configuration database minimizes laborious reconfigurationtasks that may be associated with repairing a damaged process controlsystem. Prior to updating the configuration database, a configurationengineer (e.g., a person having requisite authorization, training and/orknowledge of the process control systems and/or safety issues associatedwith parameter settings/values) may review differences between theruntime database and the configuration database. In the event that arelatively long period of time elapses before the configuration engineercan review desired parameter upload change candidates for theconfiguration database, the corresponding number of potential changescan become relatively large.

Large numbers of parameter value changes may be tedious and/orexhausting for one or more personnel responsible to maintain theintegrity of the configuration database (e.g., the configurationengineer). Maintaining the integrity of the configuration database isparticularly important. As a result, the configuration engineer musttypically review each change initiated by maintenance personnel,engineers, operators and/or any other personnel initiated change to theruntime database to verify that the change is appropriate or acceptable.Whether changes to the parameter values are appropriate or acceptablemay be determined based on, for example, knowledge of proper batchchemical concentrations, proper batch temperatures, proper pressuresafety limits and/or independently operating plant safety systems thatmay respond to one or more alarm thresholds. Without limitation, safetyparameters may be further dictated by federal law, state law and/orlocal ordinances. As such, the configuration engineer may need toapprove or disapprove of hundreds, thousands, or any other number ofparameter upload change candidates made by various types of personnel(e.g., maintenance personnel, configuration engineers, safety engineers,etc.).

The methods and apparatus described herein facilitate, in part,configuration database upload management in a manner that minimizes anumber of individual parameter change approval and/or denial activitiesby the configuration engineer or other responsible personnel. Asexplained in further detail below, in the event one or more parametervalue changes are initiated by maintenance personnel, engineers and/oroperators, the methods and apparatus described herein may compare orevaluate such changes in view of personnel authorization privilegesand/or parameter threshold settings. Personnel authorization privilegesand/or parameter threshold settings may, for example, be defined in anupload rule profile. As a result, approval to upload parameter valuechanges from one or more runtime databases to the configuration databasemay occur without tedious review by the configuration engineer and,instead, may occur automatically based on one or more rules and/orlimits established by an active upload rule profile. Similarly,decisions to deny one or more parameter upload change candidates fromruntime databases to the configuration database may occur based on theactive upload rule profile.

Now turning to FIG. 1, an example process control environment 100 thatmay be employed to implement the example methods and apparatus describedherein includes an intra-plant bus 102 to facilitate communicationbetween geographically separated manufacturing plants 104 a and 104 b(plants A and B, respectively). While the illustrated example of FIG. 1includes two manufacturing plants, any number of manufacturing plantsmay employ the example methods and apparatus described herein. Forpurposes of explanation, and not limitation, the manufacturing plant 104a will be described below. Further, while the illustrated example ofFIG. 1 includes the manufacturing plants 104 a and 104 b, the examplemethods and apparatus described herein may be employed in anyenvironment in which process control systems, data collection systemsand/or test and measurement (T&M) systems are employed.

The intra-plant bus 102 may use any suitable local area network (LAN) orwide area network (WAN) protocol, one or more intranets and/or theInternet to facilitate communication between one or more devices of theprocess control environment 100. The process control environment 100also includes any number of business, control and/or maintenancesystems. Business and/or maintenance systems may execute, for example,enterprise resource planning (ERP), material resource planning (MRP),accounting, production and customer ordering systems. The intra-plantbus 102 also facilitates communication between a corporate WAN 106, oneor more remote monitoring computer systems 108, a configuration database110 and/or an upload manager 112.

The example plant 104 a represents an example manufacturing plant thatmay produce one or more products during one or more batch processesand/or batch phases. Without limitation, the example plant 104 a mayrepresent an assembly line/process, one or more audit station tests,laboratory test processes and/or general T&M activities. The exampleplant 104 a includes a plant bus 114 to facilitate communication withthe intra-plant bus 102 and one or more devices/systems of the plant 104a. The example plant 104 a also includes a workstation 116 to serve asan operator interface for the plant 104 a. The workstation 116 may becommunicatively connected to one or more process control systems 118 a-c(process control systems #1, #2 and #3, respectively) via the plant bus114. Each of the example process control systems (PCSs) 118 a-c includesa workstation 120, a controller 122, a runtime database 124, one or moremodules 126, one or more input/output (I/O) devices 128, and one or morefield devices 130. The example workstation 120 may be configured toperform operations associated with one or more applications,user-interactive applications (e.g., operator prompts to advance batchoperations, assembly operations, T&M operations, etc.), communicationapplications and/or one or more function blocks within the modules 126.For example, the workstation 120 may be configured to perform operationsassociated with process control-related applications and communicationapplications that enable the workstation 120 and the controller 122 tocommunicate with other devices and/or systems using any communicationmedia (e.g., wireless, hardwired, etc.) and protocols (e.g., HTTP, SOAP,GP-IB, SCPI, etc.). One or more personnel 121 may use the exampleworkstation 120 in a manner consistent with, for example, their jobdescription. Without limitation, example personnel 121 that may use theexample workstation 120 include a configuration engineer, a systemsengineer and/or maintenance personnel. The workstation 120 may beimplemented using any suitable computer system or processing system(e.g., the processor system P100 of FIG. 8). For example, theworkstation 120 could be implemented using a single processor personalcomputer, a single or multi-processor workstation(s), etc.

The controller 122 may perform one or more process control routines thathave been configured and/or designed by a plant manager, aprocess-control engineer, a system engineer, a configuration engineerand/or any other personnel 121 responsible for operation of Plant_A 104a, the Plant_B 104 b and/or the entire process control environment 100.The controller 122 may be, for example, a DeltaV™ controller sold byFisher-Rosemount Systems, Inc., an Emerson Process Management™ company.However, any other controller could be used instead. Further, while onlyone controller is shown in FIG. 1, additional controllers of any type orcombination of types may be coupled to the plant bus 114.

The controller 122 may be coupled to any number of field device(s) 130via a controller bus 132 and the I/O device 128. During execution of aprocess control routine, the controller 122 may exchange information(e.g., commands, configuration information, measurement information,status information, etc.) with the field devices 130. For example, thecontroller 122 may be provided with a process control routine that, whenexecuted by the controller 122, causes the controller 122 to sendcommands to the field devices 130 that cause the field devices 130 toperform specified operations (e.g., perform a measurement, open/close avalve, turn on/off a process pump, etc.) and/or to communicateinformation (e.g., measurement data) via the controller bus 132.

In the illustrated example of FIG. 1, the field devices 130 areFieldbus™ compliant devices configured to communicate via the controllerbus 132 using a Fieldbus™ protocol. However, the methods and apparatusdescribed herein are not limited to the Fieldbus™ protocol and/orFieldbus™ devices. Rather, field devices may include, withoutlimitation, Profibus™ devices and/or HART-compliant devices thatcommunicate via the controller bus 132 via Profibus™ and/or HARTprotocol(s).

The example PCS #1 118 a is provided to illustrate one type of systemwithin which the example methods and apparatus described in greaterdetail below may be advantageously employed. However, the examplemethods and apparatus described herein may, without limitation, beadvantageously employed in other systems of greater or less complexitythan the example PCS #1 118 a shown in FIG. 1.

In the illustrated example of FIG. 1, the modules 126 are configured atthe workstation 120 to define a process control routine to be executedby the controller 122 and/or the field devices 130. Additionally oralternatively, the modules 126 and/or one or more function blockscontained therein may be obtained from the example runtime database 124and/or the configuration database 110. For example, in the event thatthe runtime database 124 has been corrupted, information related tomodules and function blocks may be retrieved from the configurationdatabase 110. The modules 126 include any number of function blocks thatdefine functions to be performed by the field devices 130 to implementthe process control routine (e.g., a batch process, a phase of the batchprocess, a plurality of batch process phases to make a product, etc.).The function blocks may cause the field devices 130 to acquiremeasurement values (e.g., pressure values, temperature values, flowvalues, voltage values, current values, etc.), perform algorithms orcalculations (e.g., integrations, derivatives, additions, subtractions,etc.), control instrumentation (e.g., opening/closing valves, furnaceadjustments, boiler adjustments, etc.), and/or to perform any otherfunction(s).

The workstation 120 may also be used to configure other modules havingone or more other function blocks executed by the field devices 130and/or the controller 122. Although multiple modules 126 are shown, agreater or lesser number of modules may be configured at the workstation120 (e.g., configured by a plant manager, configuration engineer, etc.)having additional function blocks to be executed by the controller 122and/or the field devices 130. The other module(s) may be used toimplement other process control routines (e.g., new process controlroutines related to alternate/additional product batches) and/or toimplement a process control routine in connection with the modules 126.Additionally, the example PCS #1 118 a described above may be similar toother PCSs (e.g., 118 b, 118 c) within the Plant_A 104 a, and Plant_A104 a may be representative of additional plants (e.g., Plant_B 104 b,etc.) within the example process control environment 100.

Generally speaking, the example runtime database 124 stores measurementdata and parameter values associated with one or more process controloperations of the PCS 118 a. The modules 126 initially define a set ofoperating parameter values for a given control process, and any changesto the parameter values made by personnel 121 are stored in the runtimedatabase 124 with a date and/or time stamp to identify when parametervalue changes to a process were made. Additionally, information relatedto the identity of the personnel 121 responsible for the changedparameter values may be stored in the example runtime database 124. Forexample, maintenance personnel 121 may access the workstation 120 duringnon-production shifts to alter one or more alarm limits in an effort toconfirm that one or more safety backup systems are functioning properly(e.g., pump/heater power disconnects in response to detected runawayconditions).

While the maintenance personnel 121 may have appropriate authorizationto make such temporary adjustments to one or more parameter values, themaintenance personnel 121 typically return changed parameter values backto original values in a manner that does not interfere with proper PCSoperation(s). Even if the original values are not restored and batchproduction is not adversely affected, potential safety issues mayremain. Moreover, in the event that such improper parameter values areuploaded to the example configuration database 110, then those improperparameter values can potentially propagate to other PCSs (e.g., PCS #2118 b, PCS #3 118 c, PCSs in Plant_B 104 b, etc.) if and when theconfiguration database 110 provides backup services to other PCSs in theprocess control environment 100.

To minimize propagation of incorrect parameter values, review ofparameter upload change candidates is typically performed by theconfiguration engineer prior to one or more parameter value uploads fromthe runtime database 124 to the configuration database 110. However, insome instances the configuration engineer may experience fatigue and/ortime constraints when a relatively substantial number of changes must bereviewed. One or more effects from such fatigue and/or time constraintsinclude, but are not limited to, accidentally allowing improperparameter values to be stored from the runtime database 124 to theconfiguration database 110, allowing improper parameter value uploadswithout thorough manual review, and/or failing to allow parameter valueuploads from the runtime database 124 to the configuration database 110.

In operation, the example upload manager 112 compares an upload ruleprofile to the runtime database 124 to identify which parameter valuechange candidates should be uploaded to the configuration database 110,which parameter value change candidates should not be uploaded to theconfiguration database 110, which parameter value change candidatesrequire further consideration before uploading to the configurationdatabase 110 and/or which parameter value change candidates triggerconditional action(s). The example upload manager 112 may employ anynumber of rule profiles, which may be used to identify an upload actionassociated with a personnel type. For example, an upload rule profilemay identify that parameter value changes initiated by maintenancepersonnel should never be uploaded (deny upload) to the configurationdatabase 110, while parameter value changes initiated by safetyengineers should always be uploaded (allow upload) to the configurationdatabase 110. In another example, an upload rule profile may identifythat any upload action initiated by an engineer should be reviewed bythe configuration engineer (or any other personnel having requisiteauthority to allow changes to the configuration database 110) beforebeing uploaded (prompt for review) to the configuration database 110. Atleast one effect of the methods and apparatus described herein is tominimize and/or eliminate tedious upload review authorization activitiesby the configuration engineer and/or to minimize review-related errors.

In the illustrated example of FIG. 2, the upload manager 112 includes aprofile manager 202, a profile database 204 communicatively connected tothe profile manager 202, a condition manager 206, and a conditiondatabase 208 communicatively connected to the condition manager 206.Additionally, the example upload manager 112 of FIG. 2 includes acommunication interface 210 and a database change monitor 212. Theexample profile manager 202 receives a request to load a preconfiguredprofile stored in the profile database 204, receives a request to storea tailored profile in the profile database 204 for future use, and/orreceives a request to apply a profile to changed parameter values beforeauthorizing or denying an upload operation to the example configurationdatabase 110.

Upload actions may include, but are not limited to an action to allowthe upload of parameter values, deny the upload of parameter values,prompt for review prior to allowing or denying an upload action, and aconditional upload action. As described above, the personnel 121 thatinteract with the process control environment 100 may be associated withan upload action to always allow the upload of parameter values in theevent that such parameter values stored on the runtime database 124differ from parameter values stored on the configuration database 110.The upload action to always allow an upload operation may be mostappropriate in connection with PCS personnel responsible for plantsafety and/or quality control. On the other hand, the action to alwaysdeny an upload operation may be most appropriate in connection with PCSpersonnel having less familiarity and/or technical knowledge of the PCS.For example, while maintenance personnel may exhibit superior skillsand/or knowledge associated with electrical plant schematics, wiringand/or power distribution, such maintenance personnel may not have thenecessary training and/or experience to properly set parameter values ina manner that complies with safety regulations (e.g., one or moreregulations mandated by the Occupational Health and SafetyAdministration (OSHA)).

Conditional upload actions include allowing or denying an uploadoperation based on, in part, one or more threshold limits associatedwith the changed parameter value of interest. As described in furtherdetail below, an upload profile may cause the example upload manager 112to upload a parameter value to the configuration database 110 if it ischanged within one or more threshold limits. Additionally, the examplecondition manager 206 may compare the changed parameter values to one ormore threshold values stored in the example condition database 208. Insome instances, one or more intermediate thresholds may be establishedby the upload profile, in which case a notification message is providedto a contact entity. For example, if an engineer changes a parametervalue such that it resides within an intermediate range, then theexample communication interface 210 may invoke one or more modes ofcommunication to notify one or more contact entities, such as personnelaccessible via wireless telephone, text messaging, voice-mail and/ore-mail.

The example database change monitor 212 identifies one or moredifferences between a parameter value stored in a runtime database(e.g., the runtime database 124 in the PCS #1 118 a) and theconfiguration database 110. While the configuration engineer maymanually invoke the example upload manager 112 to upload data and/orparameters in accordance with an upload profile, the example databasechange monitor 212 may automatically employ one or more upload profiles(and their corresponding settings) on a scheduled, periodic and/oraperiodic basis. In the event that the example database change monitor212 identifies a difference between the runtime database 124 and theconfiguration database 110 (i.e., an indication that one or moreparameter values have been changed), the database change monitor 212forwards an indication of the changed parameter value as a changecandidate to the example profile manager 202 so that it can be comparedto one or more upload rule profiles.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example profile setup user interface 300. In theillustrated example of FIG. 3, the profile setup user interface (UI) 300includes a primary-level hierarchical control system representation 302,which includes a Plant_A tab 304, a Plant_B tab 306 and a Plant_C tab308 to allow a user (e.g., the configuration engineer) of the UI 300 toselect which manufacturing plant to edit and/or review. While theillustrated example UI 300 of FIG. 3 shows three plant tabs (i.e.,Plant_A 304, Plant_B 306, and Plant_C 308), any number and/or type ofplant, factory and/or laboratory may be represented by one or moreprimary-level hierarchical representations 302.

The example UI 300 of FIG. 3 also includes a secondary-levelhierarchical control system representation 310 that corresponds to aselected manufacturing plant from the primary-level hierarchicalrepresentation 302. The example secondary-level hierarchical controlsystem representation 310 includes a first PCS tab (PCS_1) 312, a secondPCS tab (PCS_2) 314 and a third PCS tab (PCS_3) 316 to allow a user ofthe UI 300 to select one of the individual PCSs of a previously selectedmanufacturing plant for reviewing and/or editing purposes. While theillustrated example UI 300 of FIG. 3 shows three example PCS tabs (i.e.,PCS_1 312, PCS_2 314 and PCS_3 316), any number and/or type of PCS maybe represented by one or more tabs of the secondary-level hierarchicalrepresentations 310. For example, each manufacturing plant (e.g.,factory, laboratory, product test facility, etc.) may include any numberof PCS stations dedicated to one aspect of plant operation.

The example UI 300 of FIG. 3 also includes a tertiary-level hierarchicalmodule representation 318 that corresponds to a selected PCS from thesecondary-level hierarchical control system representation 310. Theexample tertiary-level hierarchical module representations 318 includesa first module (Module_A) 320, a second module (Module_B) 322 and athird module (Module_C) 324 one or more of which the user of the UI 300may select for further editing and/or reviewing. While the illustratedexample UI 300 of FIG. 3 shows three example modules (i.e., Module_A320, Module_B 322 and Module_C 324), any number of modules may berepresented by one or more tabs of the tertiary-level hierarchicalrepresentations 318. For example, each PCS may include any number ofmodules to specify control system instructions, operating parametersand/or alarm limits.

Although the example UI 300 of FIG. 3 illustrates three hierarchicallevels (i.e., the primary-level 302, the secondary-level 310 and thetertiary-level 318) based on manufacturing plants, corresponding PCSsand corresponding modules, more or fewer hierarchical levels may beused. For example, some process control environments may includeadditional and/or alternate hierarchical subdivisions including, but notlimited to product-related hierarchical levels, geographic-relatedhierarchical levels, shift-related hierarchical levels and/orschedule-related hierarchical levels. The hierarchical levels of theexample UI 300 of FIG. 3 enable a user to focus on logical subgroupingswithin the process control environment, such as the example processcontrol environment 100 of FIG. 1.

In operation, the user may begin by selecting one of the tabs from theprimary-level representation(s) 302 to expose details related to one ofthe manufacturing plants, such as the example Plant_A tab 304. Uponselecting the Plant_A tab 304, the example UI 300 identifies thesecondary-level representation(s) 310, including any number of tabsrelated thereto (e.g., the PCS_1 tab 312, the PCS_2 tab 314, etc.). Uponselecting, for example, the PCS_1 tab 312, the example UI 300 identifiesthe tertiary-level representation(s) 318 including one or more moduletabs, such as the example Module_A tab 320, the example Module_B tab 322and the example Module_C tab 324.

In the event that the example Module_B tab 322 is selected, the exampleUI 300 displays one or more fields to allow an upload rule profile to beviewed and/or edited. As described above, parameters of a PCS includeassociated values that may be set for any number of differentobjectives. For example, parameter values may be set in view of processperformance settings (e.g., temperature set points, PID values, pumptimers, flow control valves, etc.), alarm limits (e.g., alarms relatedto approaching temperature thresholds, pressure thresholds, volume levelthresholds, etc.) and/or safety limits (e.g., automatic shut-down safetyprocedures to stop run-away conditions).

In the illustrated example of FIG. 3, the UI 300 includes a parametercolumn 326, and columns associated with personnel types 328. The examplepersonnel types 328 of FIG. 3 include an engineer upload action column330, an operator upload action column 332, a maintenance upload actioncolumn 334 and a configuration engineer upload action column 336. Whilethe illustrated example UI 300 of FIG. 3 includes four example personneltypes, any number of additional and/or alternate personnel types may beemployed without limitation. The example parameter column 326 mayinclude any number of parameters, in which each parameter row isassociated with a corresponding third-level hierarchical tab 318, suchas the example selected Module_B tab 322. Each parameter row in theexample parameter column 326 intersects one or more personnel types 328at a corresponding column and includes an action drop-down box. Eachaction drop-down box may include, but is not limited to an Always-Uploadaction to associate the personnel and/or personnel type with analways-allow privilege, a Never-Upload action to associate the personneland/or personnel type with a never-allow privilege, a Prompt action toassociate the personnel and/or personnel type with a further request toinvoke a prompt request for approval to upload (e.g., approval from theconfiguration engineer), or a Conditional action to associate thepersonnel and/or personnel type with a conditional-allow privilege.

In operation, if a parameter of interest is assigned an Always-Uploadaction, then any changes to the parameter of interest made by thecorresponding personnel will be uploaded automatically from the runtimedatabase 124 to the configuration database 110 when the configurationengineer initiates an upload operation (and/or when an upload operationinitiates on a periodic, aperiodic or scheduled basis), thereby reducingan amount of individual parameter value review tasks prior to permittingthe parameter value to be uploaded to the configuration database 110. Anassignment of the Always-Upload action is typically associated withpersonnel and/or personnel types that have an intimate knowledge,significant experience and/or significant training with respect to thecorresponding module, PCS and/or plant. On the other hand, if aparameter of interest is assigned the Never-Upload action, then anychanges to the parameter of interest made by the corresponding personnelwill not be uploaded from the runtime database 124 to the configurationdatabase 110 when the configuration engineer initiates an uploadprocess. In this case, the personnel assigned the Never-Upload action isnot deemed to have a sufficient knowledge, experience and/or trainingrelated to the process control environment 100 to warrant authorizationto change one or more parameter values in the configuration database. Tothat end, any changes that may have been properly applied by suchpersonnel during their interaction with a process control system (e.g.,a maintenance equipment installation) will not be reflected in theconfiguration database 110.

An assignment of the Prompt action in an action drop-down box flags anyparameter value changes to undergo further review by the configurationengineer before making any decision on whether or not to upload theparameter value to the configuration database. The Prompt actionassignment may be appropriate when the parameter of interest isparticularly important, even when the personnel making a parameter valuechange are believed to have sufficient knowledge, experience and/ortraining. For example, parameters related to safety temperature,pressure and/or process speed controls may be deemed particularlysignificant and worthy of double-checking by the configuration engineerprior to allowing such changed values to be uploaded to theconfiguration database.

An assignment of the Conditional action in an action drop-down box flagsany parameter value changes to undergo a comparison to one or morethreshold limits before making any determination of whether to savechanged parameter values to the configuration database. As described infurther detail below, the Conditional action causes the parameter valuemade by the personnel to be compared to any number of threshold limits,such as an upper threshold limit, a lower threshold limit and/orintermediate threshold limits. For example, if one of the personnelchanges a parameter value beyond the upper threshold limit, then suchchanges may be denied and/or prevented from being uploaded to theconfiguration database and one or more notification messages may betransmitted by the example upload manager 112 to alert other personnelof a potentially dangerous change. On the other hand, if one of thepersonnel changes a parameter value beyond an intermediate thresholdlimit that is still below an upper (or above a lower) limit, then theexample upload manager 112 may allow/permit such changes to be uploadedto the configuration database.

When a user completes one or more changes to action drop-down boxes forone or more personnel types 328 and/or one or more parameters in theparameter column 326, then a matched pair between the personnelclassification and the upload action is established. Any number ofmatched pairs may be designated and/or otherwise established via theexample action drop-down boxes. To save any arrangement and/orcombination of matched pairs, the user may enter a profile name in aprofile name text box 338 and save the profile name by clicking on asave profile button 340. On the other hand, in the event that the userwishes to load a previously saved profile, then the user may select aprofile name drop-down box 342, make a selection of a saved profile, andselect a load profile button 344 to apply the selected profile to theparameters and corresponding personnel types 328.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example UI 400 generated by the example uploadmanager 112 to facilitate viewing and/or editing of one or morethreshold values associated with the Conditional action (i.e., theconditional allow privilege). In the illustrated example of FIG. 4, theUI 400 includes a conditional parameters identification field 402 toinform the user of which parameter of interest will be evaluated in viewof one or more conditional threshold values. The example UI 400 alsoincludes an upper threshold field 404, a first intermediate thresholdfield 406, a second intermediate threshold field 408, and a lowerthreshold field 410. Each threshold field includes a corresponding unitsfield in a units column 412 and a corresponding action drop-down box inan action column 414. Actions that the user may select from the actiondrop-down boxes include, but are not limited to a deny-if-above action,a deny-if-below action, an allow-if-above action, and an allow-if-belowaction. Additionally, each threshold row includes an associatednotification check-box 416 to facilitate notification if a row conditionis deemed true. If notification for any particular row is selected, thenone or more contact entities may be alerted with one or more messages.The illustrated example UI 400 of FIG. 4 includes a contact informationcolumn 418 and a message column 420 for two example contact entities(i.e., Contact Entity #1 422 and Contact Entity #2 424).

In operation, the example condition manager 206 evaluates a parametervalue change initiated by one of the personnel against each of thethreshold values in the example UI 400 of FIG. 4. In the event that thepersonnel of interest changed a parameter value from 96 to 99, then theexample upper threshold 404 of FIG. 4 will be exceeded, and thecorresponding action causes the upload manager 112 to deny uploadingthis parameter value to the configuration database. Additionally,because the corresponding notification check-box 416 is selected, eachof the contact entities will receive a message as identified in thecorresponding message field of the message column 420. In anotherexample, in the event that the personnel of interest changed a parametervalue from 96 to 91, then the example first intermediate threshold 406would be exceeded and the corresponding action causes the upload manager112 to allow uploading this value to the configuration database. Whenthe user is finished viewing and/or editing one or more fields of theexample UI 400, an exit without changes button 426 may be selected, or asave and exit button 428 may be selected.

Turning to FIG. 5A, an example UI 500 may be generated by the exampleupload manager 112 prior to updating the example configuration database110 with changed parameter values stored in one or more runtimedatabases, such as the example runtime database 124 of FIG. 1. Asdescribed above, the configuration engineer may be responsible forensuring that any changes made to the configuration database areauthorized, proper and/or do not corrupt the configuration database. Assuch, the configuration engineer (and/or any other employee/personnelhaving a similar responsibility) may periodically, aperiodically,manually and/or on a scheduled basis review candidate changes ofparameter values that may be uploaded from one or more runtime databasesin the process control environment 100 to the example configurationdatabase 110. In operation, the example upload manager 112 generates theexample UI 500 to include a module identifier field 502, an activeprofile indication field 504, and a date field 506 to identify the lastdate in which module data was updated on the configuration database 110.Additionally, the example UI 500 includes a review prompt requestsbutton 508, an accept all actions per profile button 510, a review allchanges button 512, and a take no action and exit button 514.

In the event that the example configuration engineer selects the reviewprompt requests button 508, then the example upload manager 112generates a prompt request UI 520, as shown in FIG. 5B. In theillustrated example of FIG. 5B, the prompt request UI 520 includes anenable column 522, a parameter description column 524, a previous valuecolumn 526, a current value column 528, a select all button 530, adeselect all button 532, and an apply button 534. The example promptrequest UI 520 includes any number of rows of parameters that correspondto changed parameter values that are associated with theprompt-for-review upload action. Any checked row in the enable column522 will result in that corresponding parameter value being uploadedfrom the runtime database 124 to the configuration database 110 when theapply button 534 is selected. Additionally, for all rows that do nothave a corresponding check in the enable column 522 will prevent and/orotherwise disable any update from the runtime database 124 to theconfiguration database 110 for the parameter value of the correspondingrow. In an effort to allow the configuration engineer to appreciatepotential differences between the runtime database 124 parameter valuesand the values stored in the configuration database 110, the example UI520 previous value column 526 and the current value column 528 permitany user to identify corresponding magnitudes and/or units associatedwith the change(s).

In the event that the example configuration engineer selects the reviewall changes button 512, then the example upload manager 112 generates anall changes UI 536, as shown in FIG. 5C. In the illustrated example ofFIG. 5C, the all changes UI 536 includes an enable column 538, aparameter description column 540, a previous value column 542, a currentvalue column 544, a change authorization column 546, a date changedcolumn 548, a select all button 550, a deselect all button 552, and anapply button 554. Unlike the example prompt request UI 520 of FIG. 5B,the example all changes UI 536 of FIG. 5C provides the configurationengineer with a complete list of parameter values that are differentwhen compared between the runtime database 124 and the configurationdatabase 110.

While an example process control environment 100 has been shown tofacilitate managing data uploading, and an example upload manager 112has been illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, one or more of the interfaces,data structures, elements, processes, UIs and/or devices illustrated inFIGS. 1 through 4, 5A, 5B and 5C may be combined, divided, re-arranged,omitted, eliminated and/or implemented in any other way. Further, theexample configuration database 110, upload manager 112, controller 122,runtime database 124 and/or modules 126 of FIGS. 1 and 2 may beimplemented by hardware, software and/or firmware. Thus, for example,any of the example configuration database 110, upload manager 112,controller 122, runtime database 124 and/or modules 126 may beimplemented by one or more circuit(s), application specific integratedcircuit(s) (ASIC(s)), programmable logic device(s) (PLD(s)), and/orfield programmable logic device(s) (FPLD(s)), etc. Further still, anupload manager may include interfaces, data structures, elements,processes and/or devices instead of, or in addition to, thoseillustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 and/or may include more than one of any orall of the illustrated interfaces, data structures, elements, processes,UIs and/or devices.

FIGS. 6A, 6B and 7 illustrate example processes that may be performed toimplement the example process control environment 100 and upload manager112 of FIGS. 1-4, 5A, 5B, and 5C. The example processes of FIGS. 6A, 6Band 7 may be carried out by a processor, a controller and/or any othersuitable processing device. For instance, the example processes of FIGS.6A, 6B and 7 may be embodied in coded instructions stored on anytangible computer-readable medium such as a flash memory, a CD, a DVD, afloppy disk, a read-only memory (ROM), a random-access memory (RAM), aprogrammable ROM (PROM), an electronically-programmable ROM (EPROM),and/or an electronically-erasable PROM (EEPROM), an optical storagedisk, an optical storage device, magnetic storage disk, a magneticstorage device, and/or any other medium that can be used to carry orstore program code and/or instructions in the form of machine-readableinstructions or data structures, and that can be accessed by aprocessor, a general-purpose or special-purpose computer, or othermachine with a processor (e.g., the example processor platform P100discussed below in connection with FIG. 8). Combinations of the aboveare also included within the scope of computer-readable media.Machine-readable instructions comprise, for example, instructions and/ordata that cause a processor, a general-purpose computer, aspecial-purpose computer, or a special-purpose processing machine toimplement one or more particular processes. Alternatively, some or allof the example processes of FIGS. 6A, 6B and 7 may be implemented usingany combination(s) of ASIC(s), PLD(s), FPLD(s), discrete logic,hardware, firmware, etc. Also, one or more operations of the exampleprocesses of FIGS. 6A, 6B and 7 may instead be implemented manually oras any combination of any of the foregoing techniques, for example, anycombination of firmware, software, discrete logic, and/or hardware.Further, many other methods of implementing the example operations ofFIGS. 6A, 6B and 7 may be employed. For example, the order of executionof the blocks may be changed, and/or one or more of the blocks describedmay be changed, eliminated, sub-divided, or combined. Additionally, anyor all of the example processes of FIGS. 6A, 6B and 7 may be carried outsequentially and/or carried out in parallel by, for example, separateprocessing threads, processors, devices, discrete logic, circuits, etc.

The example process 600 of FIG. 6A begins with the upload manager 112identifying whether a load or edit request is received (block 602). Ifnot, then control advances to identify whether an upload action labelhas been selected, as described in further detail below. In the event ofreceiving a load or edit request (block 602), a profile setup UI isgenerated by the upload manager 112 (block 604), such as the exampleprofile setup UI 300 of FIG. 3. To allow the configuration engineer (orany other authorized user of the upload manager 112) to view one or morePCSs of the example control environment 100, the example upload manager112 generates a control system hierarchy display (block 606), such asthe example primary-level hierarchical representation 302, thesecondary-level hierarchical representation 310, and the tertiary-levelhierarchical representation 318 illustrated in FIG. 3. As describedabove, while the illustrated example of FIG. 3 includes threehierarchical levels, any number of hierarchical levels may be generatedby the example upload manager 112 based on, in part, PCS size,complexity and/or configuration.

A selection of the example primary-level hierarchical control systemrepresentation is received by the upload manager (block 608), which maycorrespond to one of any number of manufacturing plants. Withoutlimitation, the example primary-level hierarchical control systemrepresentation may reflect any logical subgrouping of a PCS. Based onthe selection of the primary-level hierarchical control systemrepresentation (block 608), the example upload manager 112 generates adisplay of nested details related to the primary-level representation(block 610). If another hierarchical level is available (block 612),then the example upload manager 112 generates another nested display toexpose details related to one or more lower levels of the hierarchy(block 614). For example, if the primary-level representation of thehierarchy related to one or more manufacturing plants in which one ormore PCSs operate therein, then a second-level representation of thehierarchy may further expose one or more details related to each PCS.The example upload manager 112 may iterate to identify any number ofadditional hierarchical levels (block 612) and generate one or moredisplays related thereto (block 614). While each hierarchical level mayhave any degree of detail, such detail may be maintained in a collapsedformat to prevent inundating the user with substantial screen traffic.

When no additional hierarchical levels related to the control systemenvironment 100 remain, the example upload manager 112 receives one ormore hierarchical level selection(s) from the user (block 616).Expansion of additional level detail allows one or more specific aspectsof the control system environment 100 to be viewed and/or edited (block618) while minimizing screen clutter. For example, if the example uploadmanager 112 receives a selection related to a specific module within aspecific PCS (e.g., a tertiary-level hierarchical representation, suchas Module B 322 of FIG. 3), then parameter action settings will bedisplayed that correspond to an active profile, if any. In the eventthat the selected hierarchical representation does not have a configuredprofile, then default values may be shown (e.g., all inputs initiated bymaintenance personnel never upload, all inputs initiated byconfiguration engineers always upload, all inputs initiated by engineersrequire a prompt before upload, etc.).

As shown in FIG. 6B, the example profile manager 202 monitors forreceipt of an upload action label selection (block 620), which indicatesthat a user (e.g., a configuration engineer) is associating a parameterand a personnel-type with an upload action. However, if no action labelselection is received, the example profile manager 202 monitors forreceipt of a request to load a profile (block 622). Further, if norequest to load a profile is received (block 622), the example profilemanager 202 monitors for receipt of a request to save the currentsettings as a new profile (block 624). Generally speaking, the exampleprofile manager 202 monitors for one or more of action label selections,requests to load previously saved profiles, and requests to saveprofiles for future use.

Returning to block 620, if an action label selection is received, theexample condition manager 206 identifies whether the upload action typeis associated with a conditional action (block 626). If so, then thecondition manager 206 generates a UI to allow the user to input and/oredit threshold details to be associated with the parameter of interestand the personnel-type of interest (block 628). As described inconnection with FIG. 4, threshold details, such as one or more thresholdvalues, may be received (block 630) for any number of conditionalthresholds including, but not limited to an upper threshold, a lowerthreshold and/or intermediate threshold(s). Such conditional thresholdsettings are saved (block 632) to the example condition database 208 forfuture comparison of one or more changed parameter values.

In the event that the example profile manager 202 receives a request toload a profile selection (block 622), then the profile manager 202queries the example profile database 204 for a profile that matches aload query, such as a profile name retrieved from the example profilename drop-down box 342 of FIG. 3. The example profile manager 202retrieves the profile that is associated with the selected hierarchicallevel (block 634), such as a currently selected tertiary-levelhierarchical representation of Module_B. Profile settings stored in theexample profile database 204 are retrieved and applied to one or moreparameters associated with the selected hierarchical level (block 636).In the event that one or more parameter actions are changed and arequest to save a profile is received (block 624), then the exampleprofile manager 202 saves the current settings to the profile database204 associated with a name entered into the example profile name textbox 338 of FIG. 3 (block 638). Control returns to block 602 to determinewhether one or more additional load, edit and/or action label selectionsare received.

Turning to FIG. 7, in addition to identifying one or more circumstanceswhere a profile is loaded, edited and/or saved, the example uploadmanager 112 also monitors for instances in which one or more personnelattempt to change a parameter value (block 702) of a PCS. For example,one or more maintenance personnel 121 may access a PCS via theworkstation 120 to make one or more parameter value changes that allowinstallation and/or replacement of PCS equipment (e.g., a transducer, asensor, a pump, a heater, a motor, etc.). When one or more changes to aparameter value occur, the date on which the changes occur and theprevious value(s) are stored (block 704). If the changed parameter isassociated with a conditional upload action label (block 706), then theexample condition manager 206 queries the condition database 208 todetermine whether immediate notification is required (block 708). If so,the contact personnel associated with the currently changed parameterare contacted via the example communication interface 210 using contactinformation (e.g., telephone numbers, e-mail addresses, etc.) andcorresponding messages (e.g., “Parameter x has just been altered byMaintenance personnel.”), as shown in FIG. 4 (block 710). Forcircumstances in which notification is not required (block 708), one ormore corresponding actions associated with the threshold conditions areexecuted (block 712).

In the event that a conditional upload action label is not associatedwith a recently changed parameter value (block 706), then the exampleupload manager 112 determines whether a prompt upload action label isassociated with the recently changed parameter value (block 714). If so,then the example profile manager 202 flags the parameter for reviewprior to allowing the changed value(s) to be uploaded to theconfiguration database (block 716).

In the event that a prompt upload action is not associated with therecently changed parameter (block 714), then the example upload manager112 determines whether an always upload action label is associated withthe recently changed parameter value (block 718). If so, then theexample profile manager 202 flags the parameter for automatic upload tothe configuration database during any future upload review by theconfiguration engineer (block 720).

In the event that an always upload action is not associated with therecently changed parameter (block 718), then the example upload manager112 determines whether a never upload action label is associated withthe recently changed parameter value (block 722). If so, then theexample profile manager 202 flags the parameter for no change during anyfuture upload review by the configuration engineer (block 724). Controlreturns to block 702 to continue to monitor for one or more instanceswhere a parameter value is changed.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of an example processor platform P100 thatmay be used and/or programmed to implement any or all of the exampleconfiguration database 110, upload manager 112, controller 122, runtimedatabase 124 and/or modules 126 of FIGS. 1 and 2. For example, theprocessor platform P100 can be implemented by one or moregeneral-purpose processors, processor cores, microcontrollers, etc.

The processor platform P100 of the example of FIG. 8 includes at leastone general-purpose programmable processor P105. The processor P105executes coded instructions P110 and/or P112 present in main memory ofthe processor P105 (e.g., within a RAM P115 and/or a ROM P120). Theprocessor P105 may be any type of processing unit, such as a processorcore, a processor and/or a microcontroller. The processor P105 mayexecute, among other things, the example processes of FIGS. 6A, 6B and 7to implement the example methods and apparatus described herein.

The processor P105 is in communication with the main memory (including aROM P120 and/or the RAM P115) via a bus P125. The RAM P115 may beimplemented by dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamicrandom access memory (SDRAM), and/or any other type of RAM device, andROM may be implemented by flash memory and/or any other desired type ofmemory device. Access to the memory P115 and the memory P120 may becontrolled by a memory controller (not shown). The example memory P115may be used to implement the example runtime database 124, the exampleprofile database 204 and/or the example condition database 208 of FIGS.1 and 2.

The processor platform P100 also includes an interface circuit P130. Theinterface circuit P130 may be implemented by any type of interfacestandard, such as an external memory interface, serial port,general-purpose input/output, etc. One or more input devices P135 andone or more output devices P140 are connected to the interface circuitP130.

Although certain example methods, apparatus and articles of manufacturehave been described herein, the scope of coverage of this patent is notlimited thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers all methods,apparatus and articles of manufacture fairly falling within the scope ofthe appended claims either literally or under the doctrine ofequivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A computer-implemented method to upload aparameter value in a process control environment, comprising: retrievingan upload rule profile associated with a process control system (PCS) inresponse to receiving a request to upload a parameter value to a localdatabase associated with the PCS and to a global database associatedwith a plurality of PCSs; identifying an upload action from the uploadrule profile based on distinguishing a type of the parameter value asassociated with one of PCS safety or not associated with PCS safety anda personnel classification; selecting the upload action of storing theparameter value in the local database associated with the PCS and in theglobal database associated with the plurality of PCSs when the type ofthe parameter value is not associated with PCS safety; and protectingthe global database associated with the plurality of PCSs by (a)allowing storage of the parameter value in the local database associatedwith the PCS while (b) preventing storage of the parameter value in theglobal database associated with the plurality of PCSs when the type ofthe parameter value is associated with PCS safety.
 2. The method asdefined in claim 1, wherein the upload rule profile comprises aplurality of matched pairs between the upload action and the personnelclassification.
 3. The method as defined in claim 1, wherein the uploadaction comprises an always allow privilege to permit uploading of theparameter value.
 4. The method as defined in claim 1, wherein the uploadaction comprises a never allow privilege to deny uploading of theparameter value.
 5. The method as defined in claim 1, wherein the uploadaction comprises a prompt request to invoke an indication ofauthorization prior to uploading the parameter value.
 6. The method asdefined in claim 1, wherein the upload action comprises a conditionalallow privilege to compare a change of the parameter value with athreshold prior to uploading the parameter value.
 7. The method asdefined in claim 6, wherein the threshold comprises at least one of anupper threshold, a lower threshold, or an intermediate threshold.
 8. Themethod as defined in claim 7, further comprising preventing the uploadof the parameter value when a change of the parameter value is above theupper threshold.
 9. The method as defined in claim 7, further comprisingpreventing the upload of the parameter value when a change of theparameter value is below the lower threshold.
 10. The method as definedin claim 1, wherein the parameter value associated with PCS safetycomprises at least one of a pressure limit, a temperature limit, a pumpdisconnect signal or a heater disconnect signal.
 11. An apparatus toupload a parameter value in a process control environment, comprising:an upload manager to receive a request to upload a parameter value to alocal database associated with a process control system (PCS) and to aglobal database associated with a plurality of PCSs; a database changemonitor to identify a change in the parameter value as associated withone of PCS safety or not associated with PCS safety; a profile managerto retrieve an upload rule profile associated with the process controlsystem and to select an upload action from the upload rule profile basedon type of the parameter value and a personnel classification, theprofile manager to select the upload action of storing the parametervalue in the local database associated with the PCS and in the globaldatabase associated with the plurality of PCSs when the type of theparameter value is not associated with PCS safety, and to protect theglobal database associated with the plurality of PCSs by allowingstorage of the parameter value in the local database associated with thePCS while preventing storage of the parameter value in the globaldatabase associated with the plurality of PCSs when the type of theparameter value is associated with PCS safety, at least one of theupload manager, the database change monitor, or the profile managercomprising a logic circuit.
 12. The apparatus as defined in claim 11,further comprising a condition manager to allow an upload of theparameter value based on a comparison between a change value of theparameter value and a threshold value.
 13. The apparatus as defined inclaim 12, further comprising a condition database to provide thethreshold value.
 14. The apparatus as defined in claim 11, wherein theselected upload action comprises an always allow privilege to permituploading of the parameter value.
 15. The apparatus as defined in claim11, wherein the selected upload action comprises a never allow privilegeto deny uploading of the parameter value.
 16. The apparatus as definedin claim 11, wherein the parameter value associated with PCS safetycomprises at least one of a pressure limit, a temperature limit, a pumpdisconnect signal or a heater disconnect signal.
 17. A machine readablestorage device or storage disc having instructions stored thereon that,when executed, cause a machine to at least: retrieve an upload ruleprofile associated with a process control system (PCS) in response toreceipt of a request to upload a parameter value to a local databaseassociated with the PCS and to a global database associated with aplurality of PCSs; identify an upload action from the upload ruleprofile based on distinguishing a type of the parameter value asassociated with one of PCS safety or not associated with PCS safety anda personnel classification; select the upload action of storing theparameter value in the local database associated with the PCS and in theglobal database associated with the plurality of PCSs when the type ofthe parameter value is not associated with PCS safety; and protect theglobal database associated with the plurality of PCSs by (a) allowingstorage of the parameter value in the local database associated with thePCS while (b) preventing storage of the parameter value in the globaldatabase associated with the plurality of PCSs when the type of theparameter value is associated with PCS safety.
 18. The machine readablestorage device or storage disc as defined in claim 17, wherein themachine accessible instructions, when executed, cause the machine topermit uploading of the parameter value via an always allow privilege.19. The machine readable storage device or storage disc as defined inclaim 17, wherein the machine accessible instructions, when executed,cause the machine to deny uploading of the parameter value via a neverallow privilege.
 20. The machine readable storage device or storage discas defined in claim 17, wherein the machine accessible instructions,when executed, cause the machine to compare a change of the parametervalue with a threshold prior to uploading the parameter value.
 21. Themachine readable storage device or storage disc as defined in claim 20,wherein the machine accessible instructions, when executed, cause themachine to prevent the upload of the parameter value when a change ofthe parameter value is above an upper threshold.
 22. The machinereadable storage device or storage disc as defined in claim 17, whereinthe parameter value associated with PCS safety comprises at least one ofa pressure limit, a temperature limit, a pump disconnect signal or aheater disconnect signal.